Fresh strawberries

[sweet angel]

Can you freeze 'em?

ShopRite had a sale -- 6 pints. I've used 2 far. Can I freeze them and, if so, do I cut them up or leave them whole?

Thanks!

 

[AprilShowers]

I clean them and cut the tops and any bad spots off, then freeze them.

If you want them to not freeze in a big cluster, spread them out on a cookie sheet first, and once all are frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or other container. That way you can take out as much as you want without thawing the whole thing.

 

[mtemm]

yep, lay them on some parchement or wax paper covered cookie sheets so they are not touching each other, then freeze. once they are hard, you can put them in zip lock or tupperware or whatever, but until they are frozen hard keep them separate (or they will tend to clump).

 

[sweet angel]

Okey dokey. Thanks!

 

[Tiggeroo]

yes you can. You can either cut them up and sprinkle them with a bit of sugar and freeze them in containers or you can spread them whole or cut all apart on a baking sheet, freeze them, then put them in bags and they'll be easy to take a few out at a time. You won't just be eating the frozen ones whole but good in recipes or smoothies. I bought some from shoprite and they're almost gone here.

 

[sweet angel]

So if I freeze them and thaw them I have to use them in a recipe, I won't be able to just eat them as if they're fresh? Did I understand that right?

 

[Minniespal]

So if I freeze them and thaw them I have to use them in a recipe, I won't be able to just eat them as if they're fresh? Did I understand that right?

Correct

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

You could eat them as-is when you thaw them - there's nothing harmful in that - but they will be mushy and not as sweet. As you thaw them, you'll get a lot of berry juice and a squishy berry. I still eat them this way with a little sugar on top, but I mostly use my frozen strawberries in baking, stewed fruits, smoothies, etc. When you cook with berries that have been frozen, you get a lot of extra liquid so if the recipe calls for fresh fruit and you are substituting frozen, remember to decrease the amount of liquid required.

I typically freeze some whole berries, but the majority of my strawberries I cut up with an egg slicer (quick, easy, even slices) and freeze one cup of sliced berries per freezer bag.

Yum...just thinking about this reminds me that I've got some strawberries in the fridge - maybe I'll go eat some now!

 

[sweet angel]

Correct

Oh....

I don't generally use them in recipes, although I suppose I could add them to margaritas. Guess I'll be eating a lot of strawberries in the next couple days.

 

[Libby X 3]

I had some that I just froze recently and thought they would be fine to eat. Well silly me they are still good but they were a mushy mess!! They would have been fine for a recipe although I used them to make some delicious strawberry drinks.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Did you ever buy frozen strawberries? They'll be like that. I think they're just fine to eat. They are just mushy compared to the fresh variety.

 

[sweet angel]

Did you ever buy frozen strawberries? They'll be like that. I think they're just fine to eat. They are just mushy compared to the fresh variety.

Nope, that's why I was asking.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I guess that's true.

I've made strawberry shortcake with frozen strawberries in the winter. I've also put frozen strawberries over pancakes. They don't taste like fresh, but it's better than nothing. They get pretty soft, but the flavor is still good.

 

[Randi]

I use the thawed berries in shortcake, on cereal, on angel food cake, on ice cream, etc. I don't consider that baking with them. Not much different from the fresh ones that I slice, sprinkle with a little sugar, and let sit for a while to extract some juice and then use as above.
Yum. I am now on my way to a farm stand to get some fresh berries before the season is over. Got 5 qts last week, and will get 5 more today. I don't care for the ones in the supermarket. Not ripe enough for me.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I wouldn't - I can never get past that frozen taste.

 

[sweet angel]

I have 4 pints left. I have a flag cake to make, I can toss some more into the fruit salad I'm bringing to a BBQ today, and the rest I'll cut up, mix with blueberries and eat as snacks.

Thanks anyway!